Arkansas Track Standout Arrested, Facing Public Intoxication Charge

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Arkansas Track Standout Arrested, Facing Public Intoxication Charge

Arkansas women’s track and field sprinter Regina George was arrested by Fayetteville police about 9 a.m. Sunday on North Gregg Avenue.

A preliminary police report said an officer responded to a welfare check call about an intoxicated woman who had been discharged from Washington Regional Medical Center and didn’t have a ride. Hospital security called police when the woman began to walk north without shoes on, police said.

The police officer said he found the woman, who was identified as George, walking south on Gregg Avenue. The police report said George, 21, appeared unsteady on her feet with bloodshot and watery eyes, but she denied having been at the hospital.

The police report said George identified herself as “Briyanna Thomas” and said the officer noticed George was wearing a hospital wristband, but George refused to let him see the name on the band. The officer said George became upset and tried to leave and then began to “actively resist” when he attempted to restrain her.

George was booked into the Washington County Detention Center shortly before noon and faces charges of public intoxication, obstructing governmental operations, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to Washington County Sheriff’s Office website.

George was released on $2,000 bond and has a Dec. 14 court date.

“”We are aware of the situation with Regina and are disappointed that she put herself in that position,” said Lance Harter, the Razorbacks women track and field coach. “We are continuing to gather the facts and will take appropriate action once we have that information.”

George, of Chicago, is a 13-time All-American and five-time SEC champion for Arkansas in the individual sprints and relay races. She competed for Nigeria in the 400 meters at the 2012 London Olympics.

George was arrested by university police in March 2011 after getting into a fight with former women’s basketball player Chrisstasia Walter.